Quote Originally Posted by bcipam
I have done a ton of centuries but have never ever been on a century training schedule.

Just one word of caution - don't overtrain.

That's the real key for uber cyclists like Cali - she can ride past that 9 hour mark but it takes true grit and spirit ( and short term memory loss) to stay in the saddle so long.
ditto.... i never had a tru century training for my first... or any subsequent centuries! hubby did build me up when first started riding.... i had my first 20 mile ride... my first 25 miles ride... first 40.... first metric... etc!

on thing that works for me... i NEVER ride the day before a big ride (ok... i think i had one or two exceptions to that, at most! but you get my gist!) it works FOR ME!

the taper thing is good advice... i've read it before... i've never been able to live by that (especially when having centuries or other long rides each weekend! UGH! plus i have the added "stess" of figuring out morning workouts so as to not have sore legs on saturday... but we won't go there!

oh pam... you are too kind... i don't consider myself an uber cyclists! but i do agree it takes grit to remain in the saddle so many hours (and if i were faster... i could get off the saddle sooner!!!!!!!!!!)

soooooooo that said.... i just want to say EAT at the rest stops... don't worry about calories (if that's your thing... to count and not eat too many!)... just EAT! and DRINK! even if it's just water (my first was done on just water.....) i didn't start drinking gatorade til i started doing more hill climbs! and even then.... i, personally only drink it in the beginning of the ride... and continue the rest of the day/ride with just water! but again.. that is ME! do what works for you!

ok... i'm rambling! lol!